Bainville MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bainville, Montana.
1. Pioneer's Pride Museum
STEP BACK IN TIME
The Pioneer's Pride Museum in Bainville features rooms furnished as they were in the days of the pioneers, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into frontier life. An old jail and a 1929 fire truck add to the historical attractions available at this cultural site. The museum is open during summers only, making it a seasonal destination for history enthusiasts.
2. Fort Union Trading Post
HISTORIC FUR TRADING CENTER
Fort Union Trading Post is a National Historic Site located near Bainville at the convergence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. The reconstructed fort, originally built in 1828 by the American Fur Company, represents an important piece of regional history from when the fur trade dominated the area. Today's version is managed by the National Park Service and hosts the annual Fort Union Rendezvous event.
3. Fort Buford State Historic Site
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
Fort Buford State Historic Site preserves the military outpost established in 1866 near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. The fort is famous as the location where Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881, marking a significant moment in Native American history. Visitors can explore restored buildings including the officer's quarters, powder magazine, and reconstructed barracks.
4. Stagecoach Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Stagecoach Casino offers gaming entertainment for visitors and locals in Bainville. The venue features various gaming options in a Western-themed atmosphere that pays homage to the region's frontier heritage. It serves as a social gathering spot for the community and travelers passing through eastern Montana.
5. Colby's Casino
LOCAL GAMING ESTABLISHMENT
Colby's Casino provides a casual gaming experience for visitors to Bainville. The establishment offers various gaming options and serves as another entertainment venue in this small Montana town. It attracts both locals and travelers looking for recreation in eastern Montana.
6. Stateline Casino Inc
BORDER ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Stateline Casino Inc is positioned near the Montana-North Dakota border, making it a convenient stop for interstate travelers. The casino offers gaming options and casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Its strategic location makes it popular with visitors from both states.
7. Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center
RIVERS MEET HISTORY
The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center sits at the historic meeting point of two great American rivers near Bainville. The center provides educational exhibits about the natural and cultural history of this significant geographical landmark. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the confluence while learning about Lewis and Clark's journey through the area.
8. Bainville Town Parks
FAMILY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Bainville Town Parks offer outdoor recreation spaces for families and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of eastern Montana. The parks feature areas for relaxation, picnicking, and community gatherings throughout the year. These green spaces serve as important community hubs for local events and everyday outdoor enjoyment.
9. MonDak Heritage Center
REGIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE
The MonDak Heritage Center in nearby Sidney showcases the art, history, and culture of the Montana-Dakota (MonDak) region. The center features rotating art exhibits, permanent historical displays, and educational programs for all ages. It serves as the cultural hub for the entire region, preserving local heritage while promoting contemporary artistic expression.
10. Fort Peck Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Fort Peck Lake, created by the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River, is Montana's largest reservoir and offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities within driving distance of Bainville. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and wildlife viewing throughout its expansive shoreline. The lake is renowned for its walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass fishing, drawing anglers from across the region.
11. Culbertson Cafe
HOMESTYLE REGIONAL DINING
Culbertson Cafe serves traditional American and regional cuisine in a friendly, small-town atmosphere near Bainville. The restaurant is known for its hearty portions, homemade desserts, and welcoming service that embodies Montana hospitality. It serves as a gathering place for locals and a comfortable dining option for travelers exploring the eastern part of the state.
12. Lewis and Clark Trail Museum
EXPEDITION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Lewis and Clark Trail Museum in nearby Alexander documents the famous expedition's journey through the region with artifacts and interpretive displays. The museum also celebrates local pioneer history with exhibits on homesteading, farming, and early settlement in the area. Its collection includes historical buildings, agricultural equipment, and everyday items that tell the story of life on the northern plains.
13. Fairview Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION MARVEL
The Fairview Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel represent remarkable early 20th-century engineering achievements near the Montana-North Dakota border. The 1,320-foot steel bridge spans the Yellowstone River and connects to North Dakota's only railroad tunnel, creating a unique historical site. Now converted to pedestrian use, the bridge and tunnel offer visitors spectacular views and an opportunity to walk through transportation history.
14. Frontier Gateway Museum
PIONEER LIFE COLLECTION
Frontier Gateway Museum in Glendive showcases the pioneer heritage of eastern Montana through extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum's exhibits cover Native American history, dinosaur discoveries, homesteading, and the development of agriculture and transportation in the region. Its outdoor complex includes historic buildings like a one-room schoolhouse, pioneer cabin, and early church that have been relocated to the museum grounds.
15. Missouri River Country Store
LOCAL GOODS AND GIFTS
Missouri River Country Store offers locally made products, Montana souvenirs, and regional specialty items in nearby Wolf Point. The shop features handcrafted goods from area artisans, including Native American artwork, locally produced foods, and Montana-themed merchandise. Visitors can find unique gifts and mementos that capture the authentic character of northeastern Montana.